Carved Fragment

Stock No 2368 

English Oak Carved Fragment, circa 1550, depicting a Cleric in his monastic cell, with a cat by the window with a dead bird. The quality of the carving whilst provincial, is highly skilled giving a doubly emphasised perspective, by recessing the cell from the outer framing effect, and then enhancing the appearance of depth by further recessing the barred window from the inner cell wall. It is probably a sawn off section from an Altar Frontal which would have represented the “Four Fathers of the Church”, also known as “The Four Latin Doctors”. This would appear to be St Jerome, who is frequently portrayed in Cardinal’s attire. This figure has the robes of a Cleric with high office and is holding what looks like the remains of a Cross, although it may have been a rosary. The cat and the dead bird are probably an allegorical representation of the crucifixion and the coming resurrection.

Dimensions: Height 46cm, Width 38cm, Depth 7.5cm

Price: £5500